About

About 'The New Inventors'

The New Inventors' is all about inventions and the inventors who have created them. Each week three totally new, never-before-seen inventions are demonstrated, examined, prodded, pushed, pulled (and occasionally dropped) by host James O'Loghlins cohort of expert judges. The inventors dont get off lightly either - being subjected to a barrage of questions on every aspect of the invention; its design and market, its originality and manufacture, its safety and need. Whilst analysis of inventions is rigorous, the show always recognises the amazing and inspiring stories of the inventors themselves, celebrating the inventiveness and resourcefulness of the human mind, and the determination and hard work of those who dream big dreams, and then slave away to make them real.

Thrown into the mix are entertaining, informative and even funny segments on the history of inventing, inventions of the future, and about some of the extraordinary inventors who have helped shape our world.

If you are interested in the world, curious about the future, and own a television, it's the show for you.

The Host

James O'Loghlin is one of the most popular stand-up comedians in Australia and
is very excited about hosting the only national televised forum for new ideas in Australia.More about James»

The Panel

The judging panel on The New Inventors are an inspiring group of Australians committed to encouraging public awareness of the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship.

During each program the judging panel will select the best invention, culminating in the grand final 'best of show' in November.

Dr James Bradfield Moody - Engineer
Named after JJC Bradfield, the designer of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Dr James Bradfield Moody is an electrical engineer who is passionate about space technologies and the environment.More»

Alison Page - Designer
Alison Page is an Aboriginal Designer and Artist from La Perouse, Sydney. Exploring links between cultural identity, art and the built environment, she has completed various projects in health, education, office design, exhibition design, cultural arts centres and public art.More»

The history

Many brilliant Australian creations made their debut on ABC TV's 'The Inventors' — from the Sarich orbital engine and electronic ignition system to the Swirlon rotary brush and solar energy tracker.

Since its TV debut in 1970, 'The Inventors' broadcast winners for 11 years, with more than 200 episodes displaying the talents of over 750 inventors.

'The Inventors' was one of the most watched programs on television at the time.

The panel members changed little during its history. Marketing expert Nick Lamont was replaced during the first series by Vic Nicholson while Professor Neville Stephenson joined the panel in 1978 after the death of former Lord Mayor of Sydney, Leo Port.

The irrepressible Diana "Bubbles" Fischer was one of the most popular panellists, coining the phrase that lingers in Australian parlance: "Does it come in other colours?"

Geoff Stone hosted 'The Inventors' for the first decade before Stuart Wagstaff took over for the 11th series sitting alongside advertising agency creative director Ross Quinlivan and Professor Neville Quarry, at the time head of the School of Architecture and Building at the NSW Institute of Technology.

The public's affection for the program was not only reflected in the size of the show's national audience but in the numbers that flocked to see the weekly exhibition of inventions from the program at the Commonwealth Bank in Sydney's George Street.

The production team

The New Inventors's production team is united in their passion for objects and have an insatiable curiosity for smart solutions to everyday challenges.

With thousands of production hours between them, the production team's mix of experience ranges from Roy and HG's 'Club Buggery' and 'Race Around the World' to 'Australian Idol', 'Recovery', the Noise festival and independent documentaries.

They are hell-bent on bringing the best inventions to the television screen and will travel anywhere in Australia seeking stories of courage, determination and a drip-free tea pot.

Executive Producer: Iain KnightSeries Producer: Ingrid Arnott

James' Quote of the Week

"To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk." - Thomas Edison